RODEO COVERAGE SPONSORED BY BOB KATTER
By HARRY CLARKE
THE famous red dirt of Buchanan Park has been kicked into a cloud of dust as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most prestigious rodeo jumps out of the chutes for its 63rd year.
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, this year offering a record prize pool of more than $300,000, has lured the best in the business of Australian rough riding and horse sports.
All up there are 956 competitors vying for a slice of the cash in rodeo disciplines such as barrel racing, steer wrestling, cattle roping and bull riding.
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The biggest pay cheque – a lions share of more than $30,000 – will go to the cowboy who takes out the open bull ride buckle.
To name but one of a plethora of cowboys and cowgirls in Mount Isa who ride rodeo for a living, last year’s reigning open bull ride champion Troy Wilkinson has returned to defend his title in 2022.
On Thursday night organisers held the inaugural Indigenous Rodeo Championships to showcase the prowess of Aboriginal rodeo riders and to honour First Nations folk’s contribution in the cattle country of Australia’s outback.
For Kalkadoon man Dwight Daley, whose tribe belongs to the wider Mount Isa region, the first time Indigenous only event had special meaning.
It was his first time competing in rodeo.
“It’s deadly aye, especially for your first ride,” Daley said.
“My old man’s been passed for a few years now, so I dedicate this to my father. I’m trying to do what he used to do.
“I’ve got a lot of family and friends here, just trying to bring all the young fellas through.
“I grew up on a station and ride horses on the station there, but when they’re buckin’ like that that it’s whole ‘nother story.
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“It’s awesome aye. A lot of Indigenous fellas are shy, you know? (They) shy away from big crowds and that.
“This is good for the Indigenous. I reckon it’s the best thing that’s come here.”
Away from the rodeo area, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo Rock concert has boasted a huge live music bill headlined by Guy Sebastian, McAlister Kemp and Baker Boy.
The bulk of Mount Isa prize money will be dished out tomorrow afternoon as the finals results roll in.